Lord of the Time: I Can Reincarnate Infinitely

Chapter 72: 72: Scout

'I have a bad feeling about this.' Caleb's expression turned grim.

Why haven't they encountered beasts along the way? From the foot of the mountain to the peak, there were no signs of activity, usually caused by wild beasts. There was nothing, no traces of battle. It was the opposite of the Forest of Death. A sign that something was very wrong about the Mountain. It was too hollow yet abundant resources, a good spot or an excellent habitat for the mutated beasts. Yet it was too hollow. The mountain was beautiful and prosperous, yet there were no signs of living except for insects.

His danger senses were tingling. Yes, that's right... It's danger senses. He has developed a strange ability to perceive danger and death. He didn't know how, though. Is it because he has died hundreds of times repeatedly? He didn't know if he should be happy because of it but he liked the unintended benefit. Sensing an impending doom or danger in advance was a good life-saving ability!

Still, while it's good. Now, he knew that they were about to encounter danger that could result this his, or another's, death!

"What could it be?" Miles couldn't help but swallow as he saw the pillar of fire and the sounds of burning wood that caused a thick black smoke to appear in the sky.

Fushigiro and Jin looked at each other and nodded with a tacit understanding. Jin gave his bag to him and took his two daggers. He didn't know what was on that location. However, he had a guess on his mind. 'I hope my guess is wrong...'

"I'll investigate. Wait for me, guys." Jin said, his voice solemn.

"Be careful." Caleb reminded. "I feel it's not a good idea to scout alone. How about I follow you? You know, that thing there might be the reason for the lack of presence of beasts in this mountain. The thing that prevents beasts... It's what keeps them away and gives them reluctance."

Dunn patted Caleb on the back three times. "What you said makes sense. But Jin can do it alone. Having the two of you only makes it likely for the monster to discover you. Don't worry, Jin is an elusive one."

"I appreciate the goodwill. But don't worry about me." Jin sounded amused. He didn't expect the kid to be that worried. However, he was rather surprised at how perceptive Johan was and how attentive he was to details.

Caleb could only nod. After all, he also believes in Jin's abilities. Based on his observation, Jin was smart enough, and his style was more like an assassin. What are assassins? Good at hiding, scouting, and killing.

"Would he be okay?" Andre tittered as he watched Jin disappear in his place. He looked at the pillar of orange flames worriedly.

Fatty, Clifford, and Luna were on the side and stayed quiet. They didn't want to lose anyone anymore. They don't want to witness someone dying again. After all, they just witnessed how the four women and the elderly get eaten alive. People they've been with and taken care of them for years.

Caleb stared at the four and gave them a reassuring smile then said:

"He won't die easily."

...

The surroundings were already about to get dark when Jin came back. Caleb, the four teenagers, and the hunting party members sat on a red carpet silently when Jin appeared in front of them in a flash. Still,

Caleb and the others noticed Jin's unusually grave demeanor and stern countenance. His forehead knotted in a frown and he had that no-nonsense look on his face. He looked at Fushigiro with a somber expression. He looks as if he is weighing his words before he opens his mouth with an austere voice. "Bad news..." He took a deep breath. Then saw everyone was waiting for him to say his next words. "There was Tier 9 Apokalips ahead."

"..."

Fushigiro, Dunn, and Miles looked at each other and stayed silent. Their face was grave. Caleb, on the other hand, clenched his. His bad omen was right again! Although he was glad that his danger senses were working, he now hopes for it to be unreliable! Face an Apokalip again? He already learned his lesson! His arm got crushed, and he almost died. He didn't want to do it again if given a choice.

"The question is... What to do now? To move forward or to take a detour? Or retreat maybe?" Rina broke the silence.

"It's too late for us to take a step back. We don't have a home to return to anymore. Worse case, those damned Apokalips might have even caught off our trail and are now following us. But I hope not..." Jin looked calm and composed as he said his piece.

"That's right..." Fushigiro sighed. "It's too late for that."

"So we can only move forward? Just like what I've said earlier. That Apokalip might be the reason why the mutated beasts are reluctant to live here. Beasts are inherently sensitive to danger. We should've known better when they didn't dare to follow us. Something terrible is here and that might be the Apokalips ahead..." With a sigh, Caleb told his opinion about the matter using the behavior of the mutated beasts as the basis of his statement.

"You're really bright for your age..." In wonder, Fushigiro said.

'I'm bright? I wonder about that.'

Caleb mused inwardly. He can't really say if he was smart. After all, in his past life, he made a lot of wrong decisions. Still, what made him seem smart could be attributed to his attentiveness and observant attitude.

"Since that's the case. You guys can only fight the Apokalip." Andre, who was usually quiet, jumped into the conversation. "Can we help something too? I don't want to remain useless."

The other three also nodded, showing their determination.

"You guys... You might just get in the way with your strength." Caleb interjected, not minding his words. He didn't care... After all, they would just become useless baggage and get in the way.